Heating element for a dishwashing appliance

ABSTRACT

A dishwashing appliance is provided that has a heating element shaped to allow a user to access a filter while avoiding contact with the heating element. The heating element is spaced apart from the filter and shaped or positioned relative to the filter such that a user may access the filter for cleaning or replacement while avoiding contact with the heating element. In one embodiment, the heating element extends in the wash chamber along the lateral direction but without crossing the centerline of the wash chamber in front of the filter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a heating element for a dishwashing appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During wash and rinse cycles, dishwashers typically circulate a fluid through a wash chamber over articles such as pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils. The fluid can be e.g., various combinations of water and detergent during the wash cycle or water (which may include additives) during the rinse cycle. Typically the fluid is recirculated during a given cycle using a pump. Fluid is collected at or near the bottom of the wash chamber and pumped back into the chamber through e.g., nozzles in the spray arms and other openings that direct the fluid against the articles to be cleaned or rinsed. Fluids used in e.g., the wash or rinse cycles may be heated. For example, hot water may be supplied to the dishwasher and/or the dishwasher may include one or more heat sources (e.g., electrically-resistant heating elements) for heating fluids used in wash or rinse cycle and for providing heat during a drying cycle.

Depending upon the level of soil upon the articles, fluids used during wash and rinse cycles will become contaminated with soils in the form of debris and particles that are carried with the fluid. In order to protect the pump and make sure the fluid can continue to recirculate through the wash chamber, it is beneficial to filter the fluid during its movement between the wash chamber and the pump so that relatively clean fluid is supplied to the pump inlet. In addition to pump protection, such filtration also helps to clean the articles by removing soils from the fluid.

For mechanical filtration, the selectivity of the filter to remove soil particles of different sizes is typically determined by providing fluid paths (such as pores or apertures) in the filter that are smaller than the particles for which filtration is desired. Particles having a dimension larger than the width of the fluid paths will be trapped or prevented from passing through the filter while particles smaller than the width of the fluid path will generally pass through. Some particle sizes and/or types may be not harmful to the pump or spray assemblies and, therefore, can be allowed to recirculate and eventually pass out of the wash chamber when it is drained.

Once food particles and other soils have been captured by the filter, it eventually becomes necessary to either clean or replace the filter so that the captured soils are removed and do not impede fluid flow. If the filter must be periodically cleaned by the user, then the filter is preferably positioned in the appliance at a location that is readily accessible. One challenge to providing a user with access to a filter that may need periodic cleaning/replacing is determining where to locate the filter relative to one or more heat sources (e.g., electrically resistant heating elements) and/or other parts that can reach elevated temperatures during operation of the appliance. Because conventionally the sump portion of the appliance, pump, and heating element(s) are all located at the bottom of the wash chamber, it can be difficult to provide an acceptable location for the filter relative to the heating element. This can be particularly problematic for users who may not be willing to allow heated components to cool before attempting to clean or replace the filter.

Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance having a heating element configured in a manner that allows a user to access one or more fluid filters of the appliance would be beneficial. More particularly, a heating element for a dishwasher appliance that is shaped in a manner that allows a user to access a filter while avoiding contact with the heating element would be useful. Such a heating element that is also shaped such that a user can avoid reaching over the heating element to access the filter would also be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a dishwashing appliance having a heating element shaped to allow a user to access a filter while avoiding contact with the heating element. The heating element is spaced apart from the filter and shaped or positioned relative to the filter such that a user may access the filter for cleaning or replacement while avoiding contact with the heating element. In one embodiment, the heating element extends in the wash chamber along the lateral direction but without crossing the centerline of the wash chamber in front of the filter. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwashing appliance that includes a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing. The wash chamber has a centerline and defines lateral and transverse directions. The wash chamber has a front and a back along the transverse direction. The wash chamber has opposing sides about the centerline along the lateral direction. The wash chamber also has a sump portion. A fluid filter is positioned at the front of the wash chamber in the sump portion. An elongated heating element is located in the wash chamber. The heating element extends along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber. The heating element also extends along the lateral direction between the opposing sides of the wash chamber without crossing the centerline in front of the fluid filter.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwashing appliance that includes a cabinet and a wash chamber located within the cabinet that is configured for the receipt of articles for washing. The wash chamber has a lateral direction and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the lateral direction. The wash chamber has a bottom wall and a rear wall. A pump is configured for the receipt of a fluid to be recirculated into the wash chamber of the cabinet. A filter is received into the bottom wall of the wash chamber and is configured to filter fluid from the wash chamber for supply to the pump. The filter has a filter top for removal and insertion of the filter into the bottom wall. A heating element is positioned over the bottom wall of the wash chamber. The heating element is spaced apart from the filter top and shaped relative to the location of the filter top such that a user may access the filter without touching or reaching over the heating element.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 with the front of the wash chamber located towards the left side of the figure and the rear of the wash chamber located towards the right side of the figure.

FIG. 3 provides a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance with the door removed to reveal the wash chamber. For this view, an angle is chosen that reveals details of the sump portion of the appliance.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a bracket to support an exemplary heating element of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “article” may refer to but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time in which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drying cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time in which the dishwashing appliance is operated to dry the articles by removing fluids from the wash chamber. The term “fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. Latch 123 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for access to chamber 106.

Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and 132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks 130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.

The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack 130.

The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub 104. The fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a pump 154 located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the bottom sump portion 142 (i.e. bottom wall) of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121 of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 136 may be in communication with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 136, different configurations may be provided for racks 130, 132, and other differences may be applied as well.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary embodiment of a filtering system 200 is located in the front 210 of sump portion 142. More specifically, the filter is received into the bottom wall or sump portion 142 of wash chamber 106. Filter 200 has a top 202 that the user can grasp to remove filter 200 from sump portion 142 for cleaning and/or replacement. Filtering system 200 removes soils particles from the fluid that is recirculated through the wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwasher 100. After the fluid is filtered, it is fed to the inlet of pump 154 for return to the wash chamber 106 by way of fluid circulation assembly 152. Accordingly, filtering system 200 acts to clean soil particles from the fluid and protect pump 154 from clogging as the fluid is recirculated during e.g., a wash or rinse cycle of dishwasher 100.

An elongated heating element 204 is located in the wash chamber 106. The heating element 204 may be e.g., an electrically resistant heating element such as a type sold under the name CALROD®. Heating element 204 provides heat energy during a wash, rinse, and/or drying cycle to e.g., heat a fluid introduced into wash chamber 106 and/or to assist with drying articles.

Appliance 100 and wash chamber 106 define a vertical direction V, lateral direction L and transverse direction T—which are each orthogonal to one another. Heating element 204 extends along transverse direction T between the front 210 and the back 212 of wash chamber 106. More particularly, heating element 204 includes a first portion 206 positioned on one side of the centerline C/L of wash chamber 106 and a second portion 208 positioned in an opposing manner on the other side the centerline C/L of wash chamber 106. Each portion 206 and 208 extends along the transverse direction T between the front 210 and the rear 212 of wash chamber 106. Each portion 206 and 208 includes a pair of electrically resistant elements 220 and 222 that are part of one overall loop making up heating element 204.

Heating element 204 also extends across lateral direction L between the opposing sides 234 and 236 of wash chamber 106. As shown, however, along lateral direction L heating element 204 does not cross center line C/L at any location in front of fluid filter 200 or the central hub 214 that supplies fluid to lower spray arm assembly 144. Instead, the shape of heating element 204 is configured so that it is spaced apart from filter top 202 such that a user may access filter 200 with touching or reaching over heating element 204. As such, heating element 204 extends along lateral direction L and crosses the centerline C/L of wash chamber 106 only at locations behind filter 200—i.e. between filter 200 and the rear wall 254 (FIG. 2) of wash chamber 106.

In addition, by using a heating element 204 where each portion 206 and 208 is paired as shown with elements 220 and 222, the overall wattage density required for operation can be lowered. For example, a wattage density for heating element 204 of about 12 watts or less per square inch of the surface of element 204 may be used. Although shown as constructed from curved or arcuate shapes, it will be understood using the teachings disclosed herein that other shapes for heating element 204 may be used as well while still providing sufficient spacing from filter 200.

Heating element 204 is supported at five points as will be now described. A first support element 216 supports first portion 206 and a second support element 218 supports second portion 208. Each support element 216 and 218 extends from the bottom wall 142 of wash chamber 106 so that heating element 204 is suspended therefrom. Support elements 216 and 218 are positioned in an opposing manner about the centerline C/L of wash chamber 106.

In the back 212 of wash chamber 106, heating element 204 is supported by bracket 224 as well as connection points 238 and 240 from which element 204 is powered. Referring now to FIG. 4, bracket 224 is configured to support heating element 204 while also allowing it to move along transverse direction T as it may expand and contract from heating and cooling during use. Heating element 204 is received into a space 230 and rests upon a horizontal support surface 226 of bracket 224. A leg 228 of bracket 224 is secured to e.g., a portion of a fluid delivery channel 232 in wash chamber 106 but could also be supported upon bottom wall 142.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing, the wash chamber having a centerline and defining lateral and transverse directions, the wash chamber having a front and a back along the transverse direction, the wash chamber having opposing sides about the centerline along the lateral direction, the wash chamber having a sump portion; a fluid filter positioned at the front of the wash chamber in the sump portion; an elongated heating element located in the wash chamber, the heating element extending along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber, the heating element also extending along the lateral direction between the opposing sides of wash chamber without crossing the centerline in front of the fluid filter.
 2. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of the centerline of the wash chamber.
 3. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 2, wherein the heating element is crescent-shaped.
 4. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of the centerline of the wash chamber, the first portion and the second portion each extending along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber.
 5. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of the centerline of the wash chamber, and wherein each portion comprises a pair of electrically-resistant elements extending parallel to each other along the transverse direction.
 6. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1, wherein the heating element has a wattage density of about 12 watts per square inch or less.
 7. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1, further comprising a bracket positioned proximate to the centerline of the wash chamber, the bracket supporting the heating element.
 8. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 7, wherein the bracket is configured to allow movement of the heating element along the transverse direction.
 9. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 7, wherein the bracket comprises a support surface extending along the transverse direction and in contact with the heating element.
 10. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of the centerline of the wash chamber, the first portion and the second portion each extending along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber, and further comprising a first and second pair of support elements positioned in an opposing manner about the centerline of the wash chamber, the first support extending between the sump portion and the first portion of the heating element, the second support extending between the sump portion and the second portion of the heating element.
 11. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 7, wherein the filter is received into the sump portion of the wash chamber.
 12. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash chamber located within the cabinet and configured for the receipt of articles for washing, the wash chamber having a lateral direction and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the lateral direction, the wash chamber having a bottom wall; a pump configured for the receipt of a fluid to be recirculated into the wash chamber of the cabinet; a filter received into the bottom wall of the wash chamber and configured to filter fluid from the wash chamber for supply to the pump, the filter having a filter top for removal and insertion of the filter into the bottom wall; and a heating element positioned over the bottom wall of the wash chamber, the heating element spaced apart from the filter top and shaped relative to the location of the filter top such that a user may access the filter without touching or reaching over the heating element.
 13. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the wash chamber has a centerline, and wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of the centerline of the wash chamber.
 14. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of a centerline of the wash chamber, the first portion and the second portion each extending along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber, the first portion and second portion connected by a portion of the heating element extending along the lateral direction and crossing a centerline of the wash chamber at location between the filter and a rear wall of the wash chamber.
 15. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of a centerline of the wash chamber, and wherein each portion comprises a pair of electrically-resistant elements extending parallel to each other along the transverse direction.
 16. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the heating element has a wattage density of about 12 watts per square inch or less.
 17. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, further comprising a bracket positioned proximate to a centerline of the wash chamber, the bracket supporting the heating element.
 18. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 17, wherein the bracket is configured to allow movement of the heating element along the transverse direction.
 19. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion that are each positioned on opposing sides of a centerline of the wash chamber, the first portion and the second portion each extending along the transverse direction between the front and the back of the wash chamber, and further comprising a first and second pair of support elements positioned in an opposing manner about the centerline of the wash chamber, the first support extending between the sump portion and the first portion of the heating element, the second support extending between the sump portion and the second portion of the heating element.
 20. A dishwashing appliance as in claim 12, wherein the heating element is crescent-shaped. 